Meant To Be In Peckville

As you may remember, I had quite an experience when I was in the area called "Peckville." There, I gained a testimony that the Lord puts people in our paths, and truly, everything happens for a reason. Well, something I didn't mention at the time, but my companion and I found, and began teaching a man by the name of John. We had just happened to walk by his house while he was out on the porch doing some homework. We stopped by and struck up a great conversation about life, challenges we face as humans in today's society, and of course, God. Over the course of us talking, I could feel that John and I had a connection, that I had known him for awhile and we were just some long lost friends. Things just clicked all of a sudden for the two of us, and we became great friends. This conversation lasted about an hour or so, and at the end we gave him a copy of the Book of Mormon, and explained a little bit about what it was, and how it came to be. The next day he calls explaining that he couldn't put the book down all night; that he was in love with The Book of Mormon already. I couldn't believe it, and within 2 weeks, he had completed reading it. Now I was transferred away the following week, but he wasn't lost. He still continued to see the other missionaries in Scranton (since Peckville closed for a time) and he gained a testimony of the Book of Mormon just by simply reading it, and praying about it. I continued to encourage him by sending him letters, and on occasion I would see him and it would be a short sweet reunion for the two of us. (My new proselyting area, Montrose, wasn't too far from Peckville.) He often referred to me as his own personal Joseph Smith, who gave him something that he had been searching for his entire life, that finally brought him real happiness. He had been spiritually re-born.

John was baptized 15 weeks after the day we found him, and I was privileged to have been asked by John to perform the ordinance in the Susquehanna River, where Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery received the Aaronic priesthood and were later baptized themselves.

John felt inspired that Elder Lloyd, the Elder who continued to teach John after I left and confirmed him the next day following his baptism, should be in the water also, because he too had that spiritual connection.

What a miracle! What a blessing! I know that God indeed does has a divine purpose for all of His children, that he truly puts individuals in our lives to bless and uplift our lives. Heavenly Father cares, and I testify that this truly is the Lord's kingdom on the earth today. I know that it is by living the Gospel of Jesus Christ that we find true happiness in our lives. I am so grateful that I was able to have come across John at the perfect time, so that we would be able to change one another's lives. I was meant to be in Peckville.

Two Quick Pics

Some ward friends of ours, the Waldron family, got to see Corey while picking up their daughter from the Maryland Baltimore Mission earlier in July. They took pictures (thank you, thank you!) so I thought I'd share my two favorites.

 

(PS - It really bugs me when blogger arbitrarily decides one photo can be enlarged when clicked on and one can't. I give up. I have been trying to fix it for 30 minutes, deleting, re-uploading, resizing the photo, starting the post all over from scratch in html...but the family photo just does not want to be enlarged. Oh well, it'll be a little bit bigger on Facebook.)

(PSS - AND NOW IT WORKS! Go figure!)

An Example To My Younger Brother

Not a whole lot to say or mention, but I first want to mention an experience I had yesterday at church while partaking of the sacrament. So while the sacrament was going around, I was reflecting on the life of Jesus Christ, and the example that He set for all of God's children. I am just amazed still to this day, that He truly was perfect in everything that He did, and most importantly of all, He does love each and every one of us. I thought about how all we have to do in this life is just follow His footsteps, and life won't be a crazy roller coaster, with normally the end result of vomiting. The Gospel of Jesus Christ teaches us that it is all simple, not complex. And then I thought of my brother Tyler, who just left to the MTC this past week. It had hit me all of a sudden that I had been an example to my younger brother, and because of my example, he too went on a mission to serve the Lord. It wasn't like I did anything spectacular either! I was a normal brother, got into some arguments once in awhile, but still loved him. Pretty simple. I had almost begun to cry thinking about my brother and how proud I was of him. I am certain that our Father in Heaven and Jesus Christ are proud of us when we do what is right, and make the best decisions in our lives. God's plan for us is indeed very simple, and basic, and so easy to follow. I am grateful that I had the opportunity I had to realize this this past week, how all we need to do is follow Christ. I know that His gospel and plan for us is true. I know it with all the certainty of my soul. I am just full of love towards everything. I love being out here on a mission. I love you guys. Hope that you have an awesome week!

(Photo: Corey and Tyler in early 1993.)

A Week In The Life Of Elder Harris

Alright, so as you know, a lot of crazy stuff happened this week in the life of Elder Harris. I will start in the beginning of the week and work towards the end. I decided it was best to not write tyler a letter to help him along for his talk. I felt impressed that he didn't even need my input, that he would do find without, so i went with that. I am glad to hear though tyler that you did a wonderful job and i am very proud of you. I can tell that you too have grown since i last saw you, which makes me very happy. i will send some stuff to you today that you will like. (make a copy for braeden!) :D


the crash..

[Obviously the camera's date is incorrect.]
well that happened on wednesday just to let you know. and of course i was driving. here is the story. We had been doing service for a family in the branch that we are working with, and that lasted the entire morning. A tree fell in the middle of their driveway so we were chainsawing that up and moving the tree. it was fun but long. then we stayed over there for lunch and grilled some hamburgers and had a fun time. However we lost track of time and we were running late to another appointment. We had to drive back to our place which took a good 20 min drive, change into regular proselyting clothes, and then drive another 20 min the opposite direction. we were running so late, so i justified it in speeding a little bit. we are on a dirt gravel road, and according to PA law there is no speed limit on dirt roads, which is weird. I was going about 40 mph, maybe 45, and we were on a long curve. (and if there is a speed limit, it would have been 35) so we are driving, surrounded by trees to both sides, we pop up to an open field to our left, and as the road curves and we are turning, there are still a bunch of trees to our right side. i slow down for the slow going turn, and then quickly speed up to make up some ground. bad idea. as we pop around the corner, all of a sudden there is a parked utility trailer that hauls the huge tractors and crawling digger things, (can't remember what they are called) and that is in our lane of the dirt road. and so we have about 40 feet between when we saw the trailer to the truck, that is, us. Now we could have easily avoided the trailer and gone around it, had there not have happened to be a great big ford 350 just parallel to the trailer, blocking that side of the lane. Just our luck. I quickly slam on the brakes, but the dirt road kept me drifting. i had maybe two seconds to decide to hit the truck with other people in it, or just the trailer and possibly harm only ourselves. So i chose the trailer. (which was the best choice) i hit the hitch of the trailer at about 10 mph, and then vear towards the left to the bulky part of the trailer and thats where the most damage is done. somehow i avoided that truck, i swear it wasn't even moving when we came around that corner. it was a miracle. luckily my companion and i weren't hurt. at all! and to be perfectly honest the both of us were super calm before impact and after. all we could do was laugh about it and move on. stay positive. we made some phone calls informing the mission we had been in an accident and all, we called our branch mission leader Bro Liggett, who runs a tow truck company. He comes to the scene, but our truck was still driveable. the state police came. we told them the story and i was honest and told them that i had been going to fast, and he cited the guy who parked the trailer, and his insurance company will pay for the damage of the truck, not the church! what a blessing, i was shocked that i was leaving without a ticket or anything! he told me that i wouldn't had crashed. and he wouldn't have had to drive all the way out here had the trailer not been there. he was an awesome cop, reminded me of my dad who would do awesome things like that. :) we went along with the rest of our day, had to cancel two of our appointments but it was ok. our last lesson was awesome.

the next day. we are on our way to MoTab, driving on I-81 towards Scranton with the zone leaders so a member can drive us to Philly to MoTab. i am not driving, i am currently whats called "red-dotted" which means my driving privileges are revoked. So my comp is driving. The accident the day before shifted a lot of parts in the engine, including the latch that holds the hood of the truck down, so all we have is the safety latch. Well, as we are driving 75 mph down the highway, the hood wiggled loose off the latch, and our hood flies up. on the stinkin highway!! that was the most scariest thing in my life, luckily we were on a straight away, and NO cars were around us, so we pulled over safely, but quickly. We had a ratchet strap to tie down the hood with, luckily, and then we continued on our way safe the rest of the day. lol

Motab, was awesome!! they sound so good live, and alex boye did an awesome solo and was dancing, it was so funny... that was such a long night though. We didn't get back to Scranton til 2:30. we just stayed the night there and left back towards montrose in the morning. i am soooo tired still, that affected the rest of the week, and we were just dead.

another cool fact, we had the opportunity to "bible bash". this church hates mormons. man it stinks to see people so hard-hearted, unwilling to just listen. He was trying to call us on ridiculous things. He would bring up something, we'd disprove him with scripture, (using only the bible too, he would not let us turn to the BoM, only the bible is the word of God, thats all we need. the bible is the authority. lol) so we did that, we braught up about Joseph Smith, and he went off, saying he started his own religion as many others have by mis interpreting the bible. (we were thinking to ourselves, umm hello? you church was started by man dude? haha) and he told us that Joseph Smith was taking James 1:5 out on context, that James is talking about trials and tribulations, not receiving revelation. because there is no more revelation these days. we were just like man this guy is wack, twists everything we say, so we just bore our testimony and left. He didn't dare question that. our own personal experiences. it is such a shame to see people blinded, when if only they would open up there eyes, there is so much more to be achieved in life. so much more truth to instill into our hearts, and find what it truly means to be happy, by living the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It has been a very fun filled crazy week.

well nothing crazy planned for this week yet, but maybe there will too. love you guys, hope you have a great week!

Elder Harris

Dear Harris Clan,

(Handwritten letter from Corey dated March 23, 2011.)

We decided to be bums for P-day so I am not doing anything at the moment, but I felt as though I should write to you all. I have no idea what to say but here it goes.

I love and miss you all. It seems the longer I'm away, the closer we get too. I am so grateful for all of you guy's support and prayers. They truly have helped me.

Tyler, I am so proud of you! You choosing to serve a mission will be one of the best decisions you'll ever make in your life. Now you might say it was an easy choice, but I can promise you, your faithfulness will be tested while you're in the field. Tyler, always "choose the right" way, rather than choosing to go the easier route. You're going to have some tough times, but never ever give up hope! Be positive!  From personal experience, prayer has helped me to fortify my faith and hope for the best in times of stress. You're gonna do great. There isn't a whole bunch for me to give you advice on, your mission will be completely different. I'll write again before you head out!

So I was just thinking, it's been 14 months now! Holy cow time flies so much! I've been reading the conference talks in the Ensign, Elder Eyring's talk about service. Now I am in an area where we provide much service. I was reflecting more about all the service back home in helping me prepare for a mission. Dad, you're probably the most service able man I know. Thank you for your example, dedication and hard work in helping others in times of need. I can honestly say that my fondest memories where when we had helped someone in need, providing service for others. So thank you! I sure will do the same with my kids!

So being out here in the boonies is quite fun! I've never done so much driving before in my life! We drive a brand new Chevy Colorado. We have to do a bit of offroading. Missionary work is really fun out here! LOL. Speaking of missionary work, Mom I know that you will be talking about that later this week, might I add a few words and my testimony to that lesson you'll be preparing?

Missionary work is perhaps one of the greatest things a person can do. It is only through missionary work that all of God's children can receive the eternal blessings that are in store for us all. It is only because of missionary work that my own family is sealed for time and all eternity. Many of us, including myself, have friends who are not of the faith. It is our sacred duty to "lift our voices as a sound of a trump" and "preach the gospel to every nation, kindred, tongue, person." As you do missionary work, the Lord has promised that "great shall be your joy". Invite friends to activities and to church. "Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God." If your loved ones chose not to heed the invite then it is your obligation to "join in fasting and mighty prayer in behalf of the welfare of the souls who knew not God." A true friend would "lay down his life for his friends." Do you love your friends enough to do all you can to help them receive the fullness of the everlasting gospel? I know that this is his work and glory. God desires all of His children to return to live with Him. That won't happen unless we do all we can to help them accept this message. As an ordained minister of the gospel, and a representative of the Lord Jesus Christ, I bear my testimony that this is the Lord's work, and we are on His errand, and it is one of the most important things we can do in life today. I know that this gospel is true, and that God lives. I love and miss you all, it's my humble prayer that we can all become even more missionary minded! God be with you until we meet again! In the name of Jesus Christ Amen.
Sincerely,
Elder Harris

PS - Well that's my letter to the youth! I hope it helps! Sorry if it seems random too, I just wrote whatever came to me. I love you guys! You're the best, have an awesome week!
Corey

(Corey back in March 1999 on his baptism day with his Dad.)

A Mighty Change Of Heart

Dear Family,
I can't even describe the love that I feel for not only you guys, but for all of God's children. I had an experience this past weekend that written words, and perhaps even verbal, won't do any justice of what I had experienced. Let me explain;

I have realized now that God truly is there for us, and He wants the best for all of His children. He puts certain people in our lives to help us to return to live with Him, and to have Eternal Happiness. My companion, Elder Dynes, who is currently the District Leader gave an excellent meeting discussion about the Doctrine of Christ. Now this is stuff that I know already, but never before had I ever really internalized it into my thick skull. Our purpose as missionaries is to "Invite others to come unto Christ, by helping them receive the Restored Gospel by through Faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, Repentance, Baptism, Receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and Enduring to the End." All are basic principles that members of the Church understand, but for me, I had the knowledge in my head, but never before was it actually in my heart. I help and invite others to change their ways and their hearts, but I realized I need to invite and help myself as well. Then I talked to you guys on Mothers Day, and it seemed so short. Maybe like a minute long it felt, of what was actually an hour long conversation. I miss and love you guys, and I could feel that from you as well. After our phone call, I prayed for probably a good half hour while my companion was talking to his family. I prayed that I could change, if not for God, or even myself, then for my family, because I don't ever ever want to let any of those whom I care most about down. I basically prayed for everyone and everything, and I had been the most sincere about it in a long time. I prayed for a miracle to happen.

So following my prayer I immediately started reading through the Book of Mormon, since scripture is a means where you receive personal revelation from our Father in Heaven. I stumbled somehow to Ether 12:27. Now, I have read this scripture a number of times before but never did I really think about that promise that God actually gives us. It just hit me right then like, "Duh!" haha I realized that if I am to change my character, and fix any flaws, to become somewhat remotely close to perfect as the savior commands us to be, it is through God. He will help us, IF we let Him, and allow Him to. It requires humility.

Then Tuesday happened, May 10, 2011. We had a zone conference, and this is how I can maybe better explain that the Church is so true! Where else would you see 50 or more young men, aged 19-25, who are all weeping, because they felt the Spirit of God, and had so much love toward everyone and everything! I know of no other place where that happens! We were basically instructed about being like Captain Moroni, firm, undaunted, and exactly obedient. He fought the fight with the adversary, Satan, and did the best he could to serve God. We also watched a video of Elder Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, in the MTC this past January, instructing missionaries that we are to be like Peter, to not ever go back to our old ways. There is no going back to this evil, carnally-minded world when I return home from my mission. I am to step forward with faith, and preach the gospel to all, full-time missionary or member missionary. After Elder Hollands remarks, all the missionaries bore their testimonies of what they felt, and the Spirit was packed in that small chapel in Nazareth, PA. I felt an overwhelmingly sense of urgency, and such a strong desire to change. I was crying so much, but they were not sad tears, they were answers to my prayers. After the meeting, I sat down with my mission president, President Schaefermeyer for about 20 minutes discussing about my spiritual re-birth. About my desire to change to fully help myself, to rid myself of all pride, and to most importantly, to serve my God. I was then given a priesthood blessing, and now I've never felt this type of fire before to do all that I can. To finally live up to my full potential of a disciple of Christ. I bear my testimony, that I know that God lives and that he does love us, and will allow us to grow and change our hearts, if we humble ourselves, recognize our imperfections and repent, and become "even as a little child." I know that this church that I represent, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is God's kingdom on the earth today. I know that the Savior died for us all, but only for those that will actually follow Him, as He beckons us to, "Follow Thou Me." I know that change is possible, and it is necessary for all of us if we truly want peace and happiness in this life, and in the world to come. This is my testimony, in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.

In Peckville For A Reason

So this past week was pretty awesome. The best week that this area has definately seen in a long time i think. But anyways, i'd like to share with you a veryyyy moving experience I and my companion had. On thursday, we had been complaining about transfers, if this was really inspired or not, and if we were really meant to be here since the area is tough and the lack of success, etc.. Well that night we went and saw a less active family, and the mother bore us her testimony THAT VERY DAY, of how she felt we were there in peckville for a reason, to touch their lives, and other peoples lives, that we are supposed to be right here. My companion and I were totally just struck dumb, the spirit just wammied us in the face like "DUH!" and we started crying, and the family were probably thinking, "what the heck is wrong with them?" we told them that they just answered our prayer, and ever since then, our weekend has just literally been on fire! we have some awesome new investigators, and things are just now clicking. it was just super crazy, we had alot of little miracles, and it was a very spiritually moving week for us. Needless to say, i am pumped for this week to get to work, but i again feel kind of sick, and so does my companion. DANG opposition... im blabbering now, anyways, how was the drive? Quick question, how far away are you from the Mesa temple? random question that just popped into my head! love ya Corey

Dear Mom,

dear mom,
so kind of a lot of crazy things happened too this week. early last week i was sick with the cold, and it was raining a lot so it was just miserable. And later in the week, i even had that crazy feeling that you were actually going through some tough things, i had the prompting to pray for you, like a lot, and i was scared too that something bad had happened, like potentially death. i prayed extra hard, and i am glad that you are feeling well now.

I actually got signed up to be on the stakes choir, because i have an amazing singing voice now.. (lol not really, but i do sound a heck of a lot better) so speaking of music my piano skills are picking up now, i can play with the right hand and read the music and keys and all that, i still have a tough time with all the flats and sharps, but when it comes to the bass, the left hand, i am LOST.... kinda stinks, but practice makes perfect.

this past week has been kind of tough. my companion and i love each other too much, we are like brothers. so because of that all of a sudden we dont agree with something and argue and we lose the spirit, and this week stunk....! terrible, but we decided to take one day at a time, not look at the long term things, because this area is a bit harder and it would get us depressed. we are actually excited, normally i hate tracting, but i am excited and have been talking to and convincing myself that i "like" tracting.. needless to say, im excited to tract all day now.

mom i love ya, thank you for that scripture, that sure did help. [I wrote to him: Daniel 3:16 He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God. ---When you don't bow to the world, look who you get to walk with... :) which was shared in the Youth Conference closing fireside last night.] this past week was a big test of trials and enduring to the end and to "dont give up"..

conference was great, i keep thinking about Elder Lynn G Robbins talk about DOing things so that we can BEcome who God wants us to be like, and Elder Oaks talk about sorting out our priorities.. I still have a lot of changing to do, but i know i can do it. thank you for your prayers, and support, and the package! that was awesome, all the letters and stuff. i appreciate it big time.. love lots, Corey

A Surprise In The Mailbox:

Mom & Dad,
    I am officially over the hump and all downhill now. It's crazy how much time flies. I will probably be home in no time.

    So I thought I had some things to say but I'm lost for words, so this will be a random letter...

    I hope you know your oldest child is changing. For the better of course. This area that I am in I feel has the potential to help me grow a lot. To show my continued obedience to God and desire to work hard to see miracles. I was really down the other day. I had no desire to do anything. But my companion and I had a special fast, and I feel like a weight has been lifted off of my shoulders. I know Satan has been on me constantly. It has really been as easy to feel his nasty presence as it has to feel and recognize the Spirit. I've learned that trials are a part of the growing experiences, but I also learned that they do come from any disobedience too. I want to make sure that doesn't happen out of punishment!

    So how have your missionary efforts been? I know Echo just got baptized, were you able to go over and help teach, being next door neighbors? When missionaries come over to your home, do they always ask for referrals? That's what we're supposed to do, and I can tell when members get annoyed by it, LOL. (Since we ask so much!)

    My testimony has been so strengthened since I've been here. We may not be teaching many investigators, but we have had success by seeing less active families we work with come back to church. The ward is really nice, but members think that missionary work is just feeding the missionaries and that drives me insane! People don't know how to talk to anyone else that isn't a member and that makes it very difficult as a missionary because that means the load is on you.

    Anyways, I'm starting to run out of things to say but there is something that I would like! A box of random junk food, and batteries and a charger for my camera. I've lost mine and my batteries are dead. (By the way, this will be his THIRD battery charger! Ugh!) And a new camera card would be way awesome. I'd greatly appreciate it. That's probably all that I need. Well, in a month and a half I'll be talking to you guys again already.

Love and miss you bunches! -Corey
PS-Too bad that Jimmer Nation is over! :)

Dear Tyler,
    Words can't descride how thrilled I am to see that you have been called to serve in Croatia! That is so exciting. Foreign mission! How cool is that bro! So anyways, life in the field is chill. Nothin' really much going on here in my area. There is so much potential though. There is no such thing as a "bad" area. You can make every area you're assigned to serve in a good area. I'll tell you, [certain religions] are tough. Most of them don't really care for their own doctrine, they're only that religion because it's a family tradition! I've baptized only one so far on my mission.

    How are you doing? I want to know what you are up to. Any luck on getting another job? You better be reading your Book of Mormon EVERY DAY! Develop that habit now. Also I can tell you if you develop the habit of praying morning and night, if you can do that Tyler, you'll be so much farther along than I was. Believe it or not, prayer is kind of like an art. It takes practice. It's been hard for me, I'll admit, because I'm so tired all the time. Missionary work can be so exhausting, but it's definitely worth all the hard work.

    Mom said something to me that rings so true, that it's okay to be disappointed but not discouraged. I battle that at times just because plans change or people choose to reject the gospel, but I know if I pray for strength, God will always provide. Dude, you're a stronger man than me, you're going to a way harder mission than mine. I give you so much props little brother. I am seriously so proud of you. And because of your tough mission, you're going to have a freaking waaayyy HOT wife! :)

    Well, I love you man. Keep up the good work, tell everyone I say "HEY".

Love, Elder Corey Harris
PS Alma 32:27

Dear Ryan,
    How is school bro? How you been whatcha been up to? :) I heard you're tearing it up in swimming already. That's way cool. So what's up with all the girls now? Like prom stuff? Haha, who is going to be the lucky girl?

    So, life as a missionary is rough right now. I'm in a pretty tough area but I'm not complaining, Tyler's entire mission will be like this. Oh well, it's only 2 years! I'm home in ONE year! That's so crazy! The ward I'm in (Scranton) is pretty big. I get fed a lot which is nice. I saw some young women checking me out, and I thought, "Gross, they're all like Ryan's age." Haha. It's all about the older women. (Don't tell mom this, LOL.)

    Ryan, I don't think you'd believe it but I have changed a lot since I've been out. I'm definitely not as mean and way more sensitive to people's needs. A mission is like a personal rehab to change who you are and become who God wants you to become. To be in this area, I know I'll grow a lot. I'll have to put my trust in God and act in faith for miracles.

    One year left for this blessing. I have to do all that I can to continue to change. I'll be home before you know it. Do all you can to prepare yourself to serve a mission. Become missionary-minded now!! Invite a friend who isn't a member to a combined mutual activity. I promise, if you pray daily for a missionary experience, someone will be baptized from your efforts before you leave. I just felt prompted to share that. Be good Ryan. Take care of Mom. I love you.

Always, Corey

Riley,
    For lack of time, this side is yours, Gabby's is on the other side. You're probably thinking, "Wow, Corey actually wrote a letter!" Haha, I'm blown away too right now!...

    How has everything been? How's school? And learning to play the saxomophone? ;) Stay away from those icky boys. They have cooties!

    My mission has been really fun thus far. I have learned so much. I am also changing a bunch too, you won't believe it. I have only one year left. I want to keep growing all I can. A bunch of "ups and downs" but all the happiness and joy that the "ups" bring make up for all the "downs" we get as a missionary. Riley, always remember to "be strong." There are so many people in the world who hate us for what we are. Always stand up for what we believe in. Never be afraid. I love you Ru. Stay safe, and have fun in all that you do!

Love Always,
Corey

Gabby!!
    How are you doing Bean! How is school? Your reading? Are you able to read my terrible hand-writing? I just wanted to thank you for all of the pretty pictures you send me, it means a lot. I love and miss you soooo much too, you have no idea! I wish I could give you a big hug. You are the best. I think about you all the time. I don't have too much time left, but remember to be good in school, and to your family. And pet Cody on the belly for me. I miss that dumb dog too, haha.

Love always,
Your BIGGEST brother, Corey
PS-Also tell Caroline Wilson HI and give her a hug for me. (I'll always remember when she asked me if I wanted to marry her! LOL)

Dear Harris Clan

First, sorry i am just emailing now, the way we planned p-day today it wouldnt work out to email til just now since we planned to go to philly with some sisters who go home next week. i knew that tyler would have been getting his call and you'd be so anxious to see my reaction., but i am not sure if i got the email to where he is going? soo where is he going?! i want to know so bad!

just kidding.. holy cow slovenia/croatia that is so crazy! i never would have guessed it! a european mission, alright, ryan is going south america for sure! one kid on each continent! that was a cool video, so tyler had trouble saying the country's name, just imagine him trying to learn the actual language! haha! so sorry this will have to be a short one for lack of time, but remember how i said that we had a ton of appointments scheduled for this week? yup, well we had a whopping 14 appointments fall through. so sad, but my comp and i have high hopes for this week, a lot of faith exercising but it'll be all good. so transfers are next week. i'll know by friday night what happens. sorry i really want to discuss the exciting news, ...and braeden is going to London. ;) i love ya guys, i never could have been happier right now, i just feel so great. i hope that you guys have an awesome week and i'll talk to you later!
-corey!
ps the blog looks great! i didnt know that you were keeping track of literally everything!

Through Faith Miracles Do Happen

What an amazing week we had pertaining to the work! I feel great right now, my companion and I really accomplished a lot of things. Our baptismal service yesterday was probably the best that I have ever been to. Such a spiritual experience. I am really grateful for the Holy Ghost, because without it, yesterday never would have happened. Let me explain:
We have an investigator, and her name is Sunnay, she is from Liberia. She has gone through many hardships throughout her life, has felt as though she had made too many mistakes, and desired to be baptized so her sins could be washed away forever and have a fresh start. She first met with missionaries about 8 years ago through Brother Luseni, (we baptized his 5 sons over a month ago) but lost contact with the church and with Brother Luseni after she moved. This past August, I believe, she saw a pass-along card on the ground walking home from work, so she called the number hoping that missionaries would show soon. They did, and they baptized Sunnay's daughter (Wonsier 18) and grandson (Emmanuel 14), but unfortunately Sunnay could not be baptized because she has been living with another man, and they together had Wonsier back in Africa. (They aren't married by the way thats why she cant be baptized) So she was stuck in a pickle and could not progress. (Wonsier and Emmanuel were baptized right before I came into Camden.) I and many others felt bad for Sunnay, because she wanted to be baptized so bad but couldn't, and she couldn't just leave this man because she wasn't making enough income to be able to support her and her family.
3 weeks ago as my companion and I were doing our weekly planning session, my companion was new to the area so he did not know much, asked me what is it that Sunnay needs. I had no idea, she had been taught everything, but I wanted to help her to progress in the Kingdom of God so I desired to know what she really needed. I felt very impressed to ask her what exactly the situation was with her and this other man, and what was needed to be done and what her family struggles were. She had been asked these before, but I felt very strongly to ask again. And so we did, and she told us something new that she didnt tell us before, and that she and this guy and more like roommates, they dont sleep in the same room at all! She also told us that she had not been sexually active with this man since she had Wonsier in Africa. My companion and I investigated this, and it turns out that the rule states that a person must not be co-habitating, (meaning as a couple) in order to be baptized. We counseled with our mission president and we received the thumbs up to be able to baptize her. What a miracle it was, and I am so grateful that I was able to be a part of it.
She was baptized last night and the Spirit in that room was so full. Elder Robertson and I gave a beautiful lesson on the Restoration while she was changing, (that is based on what the members told us) and when she returned, we sung the primary hymn number 100, 'Baptism'. It was awesome. A story I will never forget.
-So another spiritual experience that we had that I learned alot from, Thursday afternoon we get a call from a girl who currently resides at the Ronald McDonald House and she is a member, and told us of a family who just had a tragedy with their son from Ohio. Their son, Kyle, was driving and the car spun on black ice and he ran into a telephone pole. The impact had such a force that his head whiplashed around the pole and caused his entire brain to literally rotate 180 degrees. He was in critical condition and was on life support here in Camden. We talked to Kyle's parents about what exactly a blessing is and about the plan of salvation, about how families can be together forever, and talked about when we give a blessing, it is by faith and God's will. As we walked in the hospital room, Kyle looked terrible, and I could only look to love him and feel remorse for the pain that he must have been going through. I annointed him with the oil, and my companion actually gave the blessing. Both of us felt impressed during the blessing that Kyle was going to die soon and return to the Spirit World, so we blessed him that he would be pain free and at ease. As we left the hospital, the Spirit hit us hard like a football player and taught us how this life is a temporary state, and that anything that we possess in this life, anything pertaining to temporally, just did not matter, and how God's ways are Eternal and Everlasting. It was an intense feeling, something I wont forget either.
Miracles do happen. I witness it for myself. I know that this is God's work and his purposes for all of His children are eternal.
I love all of you and I hope and pray that you may have a fantastic week.
Love, Elder Corey J. Harris

10 Months

(Last week Corey sent pictures of his apartment and he isn't in one of them, LOL. Well, he did send us the Chinatown pic a week before.)

1) Corey's closet...ya think he has enough ties?
2) His companion, Elder Wilson.
3) His bed with his big down comforter...that we finally got sent to him.
4) His study area.
5) A close up of his study area and a picture of the family, awwww.


6) Corey in Philly's Chinatown.
7) The Victor, where Corey is living currently.
8) Their apartment living room.

Dear Mom,
What a wonderful email that was, thank you. It was exactly what i needed to hear. I have changed a lot i feel, and learned so much. President Hinckley once said that he learned more about the gospel in the two years he was serving a mission then the next 70 some years after his service. I too feel that way. Probably the biggest thing that i have learned is that of the eternal perspective of all things that God sees. Being on a mission is so hard sometimes, just because i cant see you guys or i guess do "worldly things", such as playing basketball everyday or dating, etc.. I have learned since being a missionary that this is truly a privilege to be here. God could use a much more effective way if he truly wanted too, but he allows us to come out for two years so that we can work that change within ourselves, and see who God sees us as, that is, as sons and daughters of God.
I received a letter from Craig the other day, and it was fantastic! Since then I have been reading a hymn everyday to fill myself with the spirit, to help me to become virtuous, and i have been memorizing the scripture masteries. One a day. I've got 5 down so far. I'll continue to memorize a scripture everyday until i go home. Its been really cool my studies have been fantastic lately, and we had interviews too on Tuesday, that was another cool experience to be able to learn from President. I feel that my skills as a missionary have shot up, but with that I fear my pride has too, thinking that i am a good missionary and such. Mom, what can i do to counter attack pride? I don't necessarily go around boasting about myself but i think so in my heart, how can i better develop more pure motives? I know of some things, but i would like your input. Its been kicking my butt lately. Also I've been doing a lot of studying about what it means to be charitable and loving, how can I embed this attribute into my heart? I feel that if i can learn these things, then i will have come home very different from before. These are what I've been trying to iron out since day one. Its super tough. And i only have 14 months left. Idk it feels like sometimes that i need to be some perfect guy when i do come home and there is so much to work on and its mind boggling!! Anyways, yes i have changed a lot but i feel like there is so much to improve on.
I have been wanting to write President Dayley and Wilson a letter but i haven't had the time to, so just know that is on my To Do List very soon. So last pday we ended up not playing basketball at all. We got free tickets to the aquarium just right by where we live, so we went there instead. We're playing today though for sure, it has been a very long time.
This morning i cut my own hair. Its not too bad, but my hair has definitely looked better before lol, my hair was getting pretty long so i took care of it.
Next week are transfers. Its a good possibility that my companion will be getting transferred since he has been here longer but anything is possible. I can't believe that today it 10 months. The time has flown by sooooo fast. its crazy. How are the Allens and Pictums doing with their boys out too?
And I almost cried when you said that Riley cried, and said she missed me. That really touched me. That picture, I remember that day perfectly. That is a memory that I won't ever forget. I love you guys, and I hope that you all have a great week!
Love, Elder Harris


In my email to Corey: Thought I'd attach a picture that makes me smile and remember that day whenever I see it. You had a little bit of a different companion back in the day. I caught her crying the other day and didn't know what was wrong and she said, "Oh mommy, I just miss Corey."
-Corey with his sister Riley about 2002.

Question And Answer Session

1) Did you get your Christmas box (finally) and was it okay?

i got the christmas box last monday after i was done emailing you, and i thought it was great! and the blanket too...

2) Did you have the 5 baptisms on New Years Day? How did it go? Do you guys usually give talks, etc...?

we had the 5 baptisms yesterday actually. it was a hectic week, we didnt take any breaks we were just so busy and i am very tired today. i like p days on monday to just relax after a week long of hard work. if i havent told you sunday is by far the most stressful day for missionaries to see if your investigators come to church, the fruit of your labors for the week so to say lol it was an awesome baptism. and we have another one this coming sunday as well. and something that president wants us to do is to teach the restoration at baptisms. while they are getting changed. an hour long lesson cut down to 5 or 10 minutes. really hard. i felt like when i bore my testimony to the people, (and among us was all of their extended families and friends, maybe 20 or 30? yea alot) of what they just witnessed, (5 baptisms) they felt the spirit then, and it was great.

3) How did your exchange with the assistants go?

my exchange with the ap's was amazing. one of them, Elder Elwood, i have a tremendous amount of respect for. he helped me figure some things out that would have taken me forever to recognize and fix. he was my zone leader from wilmington and i had already had a very powerful spiritually moving experience with him before. (it was when i wouldnt tell you guys but i had written it in my journal) he has a facebook account and a im a mormon account too. from bountiful utah, first name brendan, i think. he is a little guy but he is a spiritual giant, he is a future general authority for sure.

4) What did you end up doing the rest of Christmas day? Where did you go, what did you eat? etc...

christmas day we were so lazy. we just felt so sluggish, and just sorta hung out. and we went over to a members house that wasnt even in our branch that heard we had nowhere to go so she invited us over and we ate lasagna :)

5) How was New Years? Where you able to go see the fireworks from your roof or was it packed up there? And did you go buy a new camera card with the giftcard from Grandma?

there were fireworks at 6 which were cool, we slept through midnight though. it was cool. and it was packed. all over the waterfront was just full of people, looking up from the rooftop it was like watching ants just squirming everywhere lol and no, i have not bought a new camera card yet.

6) What's your favorite scripture (or study topic) from this past week?

my favorite topic and goal that i have been doing an extensive amount of study on,
is that of love and charity. i have been through 1 Corinthians 13 alot lately... Elder Elwood helped me to realize that even though i have all of these weaknesses of mine, there is only one way to erase them, and that is through the atonement and the first key is love. if i can develop love towards literally everything, i will be someone completely different when i get home. i havent finished studying, but i will send home my notes about it when i am done.

so anyways, the pictures were great. i am glad that you guys had a good week and sunday. looks like you guys had alot of fun [playing in the snow]! and i will definitely study out how to best help [that certain person], surprisingly, he has been on my mind lately for some reason, and now its obvious. brynnie-lou looks so adorable! she is a true baby, looks and all... i look back to pictures when i was that young, i didnt look like a "true" baby. haha i had figured that [the ward] dads would have had a huddle session talking about their phone calls with their boys. and we start our church at 12:30 now, so when you start church, we basically will too. :) President Schaefermeyer was at our branch yesterday just to see what it was like, and he got to meet our investigators. (we had a total of 9 investigators at church, and some that committed to come didnt!) but all is good, i have been feeling alot better, almost as if a weight has been lifted. it feels real good. well, i love you all very much, i know that i owe people alot of letters but we will see, ive been real tired. hope you guys have a great week!
love always,
-Elder Harris

(He's right, he never really did look like a baby. He had so much hair he was born looking like a little boy. Here's Corey at one month old.)